Fabrication and Characterization of Bi2Te3 Nanoparticles for Thermoelectric Applications

Bi2Te3 nanoparticles with diameters of 10-30 nm have been successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal method. The as-prepared nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffractometer (XRD, Cu Kalpha, Bruker AXS), field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM, JEOL-6340F) and transmission electron microscope (TEM/HRTEM, JEOL-2010F) equipped with an energy-disperse X-ray spectrometer (EDS). The densification of Bi2Te3 nanopowders was conducted in two ways: plasma pressure compaction (P2C) and hot pressing. The density of the as-pressed pellet sample was about 98-99 {\%} of theoretical density (7.7 g/cm3). The Seebeck coefficient, electrical and thermal conductivities were further investigated.